If you’re traveling the Pennsylvania Turnpike, while reading this on Christmas Eve — hopefully while sitting in the passenger’s seat — you’re among millions of motorists doing so this holiday season.

PennDOT officials estimated about 6.6 million drivers will travel the turnpike through the first day of 2020.

“We have added resources to address any traffic and safety concerns due to the increased holiday traffic,” Turnpike CEO Mark Compton said. “We are prepared, and our goal is to provide our customers the best travel experience possible.”

The busiest travel day is expected to be Friday with more than 600,000 vehicles taking to the highway.

“We also encourage travelers to prepare by using our real-time traffic and roadway conditions online and allowing plenty of time to navigate to, and from, their holiday destinations,” Compton said. “Consider traveling during less busy times.”

The lightest travel days are projected to be Jan. 1 with 325,000 vehicles, followed by Christmas Day with 400,000 vehicles and then Sunday with about 425,000.

In addition, state police will have patrols on the turnpike focusing on moving violations, including aggressive and distracted driving, to ensure motorists arrive safely at their destinations, according to Cpl. Holly Reber-Billings, public information officer of Troop T.

“Many of the millions of travelers on the roadway this week and next will be driving long distances, under stress and in hazardous conditions,” Reber-Billings said. “Please keep your eyes on the road and be mindful that the weather can change quickly across the turnpike.”

To report a turnpike crash, dial *11 on a mobile phone.

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